<；P>；PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform autofocus control to a region desired by an operator. <；P>；SOLUTION: An endoscope system includes: a divided area determination unit for dividing an observation image of a subject obtained by an imaging device of an endoscope into a plurality of divided areas； a selection unit for selecting a controlled divided area to be focus-controlled from among the plurality of divided areas； and a focus control unit for performing the focus control on the basis of the observation image of the controlled divided area. The selection unit determines a focus control exclusion area not to be selected as the controlled divided area in the plurality of divided areas by the continuation of predetermined change of the observation image for a predetermined period, and selects the controlled divided area from among the plurality of divided areas excluding the focus control exclusion area. <；P>；COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT
